Fun and Practical Ways of Getting Rid of a Cold

 Forgive the tardy post but as you may have guessed from the title I have been sick with the cold.   As I have been lying in bed coughing and hacking, I actually discovered many ways you can feel better.  

1.      Rest-  I hate to state the obvious but any doctor, naturopath, or witch doctor will tell you that the ultimate way to get rid of this nasty virus is to stay in bed and sleep lots. Phone in sick, let TV babysit the kids and forget all your other troubles. 

2.      Liquids, Liquids and more Liquids- Yes, it is important to stay hydrated especially when you spend a lot of time coughing and choking.  Your mouth will feel dry, your throat will be sore and you will find yourself sweating a lot.  So be sure to drink a lot of fluids especially hot beverages.  I happen to know the best hot beverage you can take for such a nasty cold.  That is my Dragon Fire Tonic.   

3.      Let off a little steam- If you have a humidifier or some kind of steam maker then use it!  Please know that you can put some wonderful aromatherapy to good use with this.  Personally, I like to use Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Rosemary and Pine.  These work the best when you are congested.  If you don't have anything like this, then never fear just take your dear sweet time in the shower.  Believe me this helps too.

4.      Watch some good ghost movies- This is just my movie genre preference but they always seem to make me feel better.  They don't have to be ghostly but if you're going to lie around all day, you might as well enjoy yourself.  Besides, all those ghost movies remind me of my home world.  And when you are scared, you may forget that you are also miserable. 

5.      Meditate- This may seem unnecessary to some but many studies have shown that the mind and body are connected.  If you take care of your mind, your body will start to take care of itself and you will get better faster.

6.      Put Vicks under and around your nose- this is something that I just tried.  It was suggested by a friend and it works!!!  It stings the nose a bit (if it's red) but it heals faster, stops running and makes it so much easier to breathe.  Don't forget to put Vicks on your chest and back as well.  Every little bit helps and reminds you of what your mother did when you were a child.

7.      Cough and Hack until it's out of your system – This is pretty self-explanatory.  The reason why you cough in the first place is to get the virus out of your system.  So let it all out!  Blow your nose as well.  Don’t be dainty.  Be loud, long and strong. 

8.      Vitamins, Herbs and Minerals - You will need to take Vitamin C, Echinachea, Ginseng and Zinc.  These four will help boost immunity and get rid of the cold faster. 

9.      Drink some wine - It may not cure it but it sure feels good until you pass out.  (See #1)

10.  If all else fails call an Exorcist - Why not?  You've tried everything else.

You want to take special care of yourself.  A little pampering, indulgence and T.L.C. will go a long way.  Treat yourself as you would treat a child. In the end, you will not only feel better but you will have experienced a little love as well.  It’s almost like a vacation except you suffer instead of your wallet. 

Apple Peel True Love Reveal

Who wants to find out a little something about your future life partner?  There is a spell we use back home to find out who our mate for life is going to be.  The humans in the Earth Realm like to do this on Halloween but you can do this anytime in the autumn.   It is very simple. You take an apple and peel its skin off in one long piece with a paring knife.  As you do this, say:
 

This apple that I peel
My true love's letter I reveal
As it finds its way to the ground
Help my love mate's name be found
 

When you drop the peel it will land in the shape of the first initial of your true love’s name.  It is only a clue but now that you know the first initial all you have to do next is find your soulmate. 

At least you will be able to keep this in mind when you meet new people or look at your friends in a new way.  Now go on and have a glass of wine with your apple and cheese to celebrate. 

Screamfest is the Best!

Screamfest Entrance

The First and Best Haunted House

October is a great time for mystics. It is one of the few times we get to travel freely between the Nether World and the Earth Realm. Most of us try to get home to the Nether Realm to enjoy our huge party “Centennial Celebration”. Unfortunately, this year I was not able to be there.  Three of my dearest friends in the Earth Realm invited me to go with them to “Screamfest”. They told me that Halloween themed fun included games, rides and haunted houses. From what they said, I thought it might be a little dark but I was so homesick and feeling sorry for myself, I decided to give it a try.

Dragon Monster Truck Ride

The Magician

This is a very popular event and line ups are typically quite long. General admission is $25 but my friends recommended that I spring for the extra $20 to purchase a Speed Pass. So I did and received a bracelet and 16 tokens to use as I pleased. No waiting in line for me!

We entered the grandstand building and had a quick look around. We decided that we would explore the six haunted houses that were included in the price of admission first so headed outside where they were located. “What Lies Beneath” was the first house we toured and we were very impressed. At the end of the day, we decided that this was our favorite attraction.

 

As we explored the outdoor attractions, we found the “Monster Truck Rides”. Although it cost a whopping 12 tokens, we decided we had to give it a try. After a brief wait, the four of us climbed into the very front of the large vehicle. Immediately after buckling our seat belts, we began one of the most exciting rides of our life. The spins, skids, donuts and the speed are not something we encounter in our everyday lives. It was like riding a dragon except we did not actually fly. It only felt like it. I ran into an unexpected visitor from the Nether World.

Andromeda, Princess of Dragons

Shape-shiftng Gorilla Woman

Andromeda, the Princess of Dragons, is a minor celebrity in our world. She is named after Andromeda, daughter of Cepheus and Cassiopeia and the wife of Perseus. Andromeda was chained naked to a rock near the port city of Jaffa and Perseus rescued and then married her. She had a long life and many children. After her death, she was placed among the constellations in the northern sky near Perseus and Cassiopeia. Her namesake, the Princess of Dragons, is a bit of a loner but every now and again she does briefly visit the Earth Realm to walk anonymously and explore this world. We did get to speak to her and shake her hand but she had to leave rather quickly. She did not enjoy the crowds and all the noise. It was a thrill for me to meet her.

Mad House and Buried Alive

We went back into the grandstand building to experience the games, more rides and haunted houses. I tried the “Witches Brew Game” and the “Archery Game”. No prizes for me but I did have fun. We tried a couple of rides. “The Screamer” is an aptly named orbital apparatus that spins in every direction so fast that you feel you have entered another dimension. “Neighbors from Hell” was a 3D ride that required you to flee from hellish demons that are definitely out to kill you.  We toured the haunted houses “Mad House” and “Buried Alive”. We also saw zombies, a shape shifting gorilla woman, and a magician. We made it out alive.  Will you? 

 

The Screamer

In the 4 ½ hours we were there, we did not take in all the available attractions. This is not an inexpensive evening out. Admission plus 16 tokens cost $45. Visiting the outdoor haunted houses was included in admission and did not require tokens. The two indoor haunted houses cost 4 tokens each. Monster Truck Ride cost 12 tokens and other rides were 8 tokens each. Games were generally 4 tokens each. Food services were limited and costly so I did not indulge. I estimate my total cost to be $70.

Neighbors From Hell Ride

 

To enjoy the experience, it is necessary to leave your “grown up, responsible, judgemental, adult” self at home. Come prepared to laugh, scream, jump, and defend yourself and your friends with your purse if necessary and you will have a wonderful time. We all certainly escaped our real world and left with smiles on our faces. Will I go back next year? Absolutely.  It was Spooktackular!

Zombie Smiling

The Legend of the Blue Moon

Do you all remember that old saying, "once in a blue moon?"  Well we officially had one last night.  A blue moon is when there are two full moons in one month. For us (Mystics) it is a few hours where everything becomes entirely different, some would say insane.  I remember seeing a vampire put his pants on his head and his shirt on his legs.  It was freaking hilarious!

But that is what happens during this rare occurrence.  Our behaviour becomes erratic but it is not in a harmful way.  For one day our behaviour becomes a little uninhibited due to the changes in the moon and the tides.   I remember the last blue moon when I put on Angelica's (the angel) fancy gown and did a handstand.  I was trying to be a bellflower.

In the Earth Realm, it is more subtle than that. My behaviour didn't change but my circumstances did.  I had just arrived to Vancouver Island and I saw the moon was bright, beautiful and so blue. It was true proof that the mystical and magical can exist in this world. 

We stop at is this whimsical little place off the road called "Ice Cream Mountain".  It's not really a mountain made of ice cream (I checked) but it is a romantic little spot worthy of first dates and moon magic. 

I got a huge surprise when I saw that they have the same ice cream flavors in this place as they do in our favorite market town of Merkiva in the Nether Realm.  So, I decided to order a scoop of  "Moon Mist" and a scoop of "Rainbow Sherbert."  I had forgotten the flavor of Moon Mist but it was very yummy.  The Rainbow Sherbet was just as I remembered; bright and lively to the taste.  These ice creams are from a company called "Island Farms."  I am curious if they are from the Nether Realm because of the names of some of these ice cream flavors.  I'd like to meet them and find out.

So there I am, enjoying my delicious moon-a-licious ice cream, admiring the view and appreciating the blue moon in a beautiful calm spot.  Come to think of it, not being wild and being serene is very unusual for me.  I guess that was my blue moon oddity.  Everyone has a weird night where the unexpected happens on a blue moon.  What happened on your blue moon last night?

Dragon Riders

Did you know there are people the Nether Realm who make a living by riding dragons? Dragon riders provide a form of delivery service and transportation. Much like the pony express or an airplane in the Earth Realm. However, even well trained dragons are not as tame as horses and they certainly are not machines. Dragons are a little tougher to handle. Sometimes they get spooked or edgy or restless or even amorous. There are different types of dragons and some will shoot fire, some will shoot ice, and some will shoot lightening.  All will slash with their tails, claw with their feet, and bite with their gigantic teeth.


Dragon Potion from Free Minds

Dragon riders are well trained and wear protective equipment (the dragon amulet for example). Handling an agitated dragon can be challenging and sometimes dangerous. Now don’t get me wrong.  A dragon would never intentionally harm its rider. It is amazing to see how protective the dragon is of the rider. It strongly resembles a parent/child relationship. However, accidents do happen.



To protect themselves and their dragons, riders will sometimes prepare a special calming potion.  It is a mixture of snap dragon flowers, green dragon leaves, the peel of a kumquat, and the bark or flowers of the moringa tree, mixed with morning dew and stirred with a bamboo stalk. The potion is instantly effective when the dragon smells it.  So the potion does last for a long time. It is quite a lot of work to collect the ingredients and prepared the potion but it is much easier than dealing with an unhappy dragon.

Picture from http://hennamehndidesign.blogspot.ca/2011/10/hair-henna.html

When I was writing my thesis on the stresses of dragon handling I met Haroon, a very experienced rider, and his dragon, Nega. We developed a strong friendship and Haroon has allowed me to accompany him on several journeys. The best part of the trip is the flying. Flying is fun and thrilling and quite unlike anything I have experienced in the Earth Realm. It is not a carnival ride but more like parasailing or hang gliding.  You could try that to get a similar experience.

If you get agitated and there is a chance you could hurt yourself or others with your words or deeds, you may want to try a calming potion.  The best calming essential oils include: lavender, camomile, rose, sandalwood, and frankinscence.  A mint scent of any kind works well for me.  Have you tried aromatherapy yet?

Happy Independence Day!!!

This is a small tribute to all my friends in the United States.  Happy Independence Day to all of you down there.  I hope you will enjoy your day as I have enjoyed our day here in Canada.  All the festivities, the music and the food made the day.  I'd like to know what you all do on your fabulous day.  I hear about it on TV and Wikipedia but I would like a first hand account from you (my readers).  What do you like to do on your nation's special day?

Happy Canada Day!!!

Well fellow Canadians, we made it through 148 years and we will make it for even longer.  This I know.  You know it's funny.  This country and I are the same age so I will never forget how old I am.  This is the luck of being a fairy.  Today, there are alot of things going on here in Calgary.   I will take you through what I did on this extraordinarily wonderful day. 

My first trip is to Olympic Plaza.  There, I am greeted with a free BBQ (all meat unfortunately for me), a huge stage with some country music singers singing Canadian songs and photo booths aplenty.  It is entertaining but I could not help but walk down Stephan Avenue.  There I found an outdoor market where, they had a little bit of everything including some sweet little fairy brooches.  Yes, I bought them.  I couldn't resist.  It's nice to have a small reminder of my wings.  I loved the street performers.  There was a woman who played rock and roll on a violin, some young break-dancing gentlemen who had some amazing moves and some jazz dancers who gave out alot of enthusiasm for what they did. 

After such a fun experience, I decided that I needed something to eat.  Knowing that there were going to be food trucks at Prince Island Park, I headed towards Eau Claire Market.  I walked inside the oh-so-nicely air conditioned market and saw a crowd gathered around a juggler.  He was impressive too and the kids loved him.  It's amazing the skills that these jugglers have, isn't it?  Anyway, I go back outside and do some more exploring. I search for the right food truck to satisfy my need for food.  I finally find it across the bridge.  I get this giant pineapple with a pineapple smoothie inside.  Confused?  Don't worry it's easily explained by the picture.  I also get a wood-fired vegetarian pizza which I take over to a stage and watch our Native Canadians preform a dance which symbolizes friendship.

With all this under my belt I decided to go get an ice cream and call it quits.  I wanted to get some energy in for the firework show (which I can watch from my building).  And it is stellar!  Unfortunately all the pictures I got of them were terrible so I can't share it with you my lovely audience.  I can assure you, however that they are spectacular and a show like that shouldn't be missed.

Oh yes, this is what I did but for all of you who want to check it out again next year, here is what I suggest.  Go to Fort Calgary, get a free breakfast and visit the petting zoo.  These animals are precious.  Also go to the East Village around 7:00 PM and see the performance show.  I hear it's excellent.  I wanted to go but I'm a fairy not an alien.  I can't be in two places at once.  So everyone.  I hope you enjoyed our nation's birthday.  I sure did.  How did the rest of you celebrate our or your nation's holiday?

Cirque De La Nuit - Aerialis...Fabulous!

If you are looking for a crazy cool party with the visual wonders that you would see in Cirque Du Soleil, then you want to go to Cirque De La Nuit.  It's just like our Centennial Celebration except it's a little smaller because it's not outdoors and a little more exclusive.  This year they had it in Flames Central.  It is really nice in there because it looks like a small ballroom.


At Cirque De La Nuit, patrons are dressed up in these unique, eclectic costumes (or dressed to impress), you have a DJ spinning some fun techno-dance music, and then there is the show itself.  All these talented preformers come together on the stage and preform their amazing acts.  Each act is different but more marvelous as the night goes on.  You will see aerial acrobats, contortionists, dancers of all kinds, clowns and (for the adult in all of us) burlesque dancers.  The best part is, you feel like you are apart of it.  With other circuses you just sit and watch but with this one you get to dance while you watch the show.  Sometimes if you are lucky, the preformers will take notice of you and throw you a little something.  With me it was a little red nose. 

With everything that goes on there, I could swear that it's Las Vegas all wrapped up into one room.  Why not?  You have the drinks, you have the shows and the glamour.  It's hard not to think that you might have been teleported there for a short time.  Similar to what Atlantis does over in our realm except you are not going from building to building but from city to city.  I hope that makes sense.  So yes, I will be there next year for sure and hopefully in the VIP section because that looks wild.  Everyone should have a chance to go wild every now and again.  Thanks Cirque!

Fairy Wishes



This Image Belongs to Nintendo - Legend of Zelda



Everyone knows that fairies grant wishes.  And that is true but did you know that fairies have wishes of their own?  I bet not.  After many different interviews and even some of my own soul-searching, I managed to gather a list of what a typical fairy wishes for.  It took alot of time but I have found what the majority of fairies will wish for.  Some of you maybe surprised at these answers but you all will see that it actually makes alot of sense. 

 

 

If you have a chance to make one of these wishes come true for these very special beings, then you will be in a very good spot with them. Perhaps you will recieve a special gift from them yourself.  As many fairies will often give you a gift if you do something nice for them or their enviroment.  You really want to know?  Here is what I found:

 

 

• Swim under a waterfall 
• Be naked in the moonlight
• Sleeping in the trees
• Dance like no one is looking 
• Wear bouquet of flowers in their hair
• Be beautiful in somebody else's eyes
• To Fly 
• To Fall
• Make friends with all animals 
• Take a very long journey
• Surround themselves in light
• Be one with the night
• To stop in one moment and enjoy
• Bring magic into their lives and onto others
• Vanquish all their demons
• Be sensual without trying
• Love with all their hearts
• Heal what needs healing
• To indulge in sweet treats
• A home that is safe
• Free to be

 
 Granted, you will have to get creative with this but it is not impossible to do these things for them.  For example; They want to dance like noone is looking?  Here is a clue.  Play some happy music for them and dance yourself.  That will make them feel less shy and want to dance with you.  It'll take some time for them to trust you enough to come out even with all of these wishes but show them kindness, patience and make them feel safe, they will eventually feel confident enough to come out and see you.   If you are sincere, they will continue to visit you and you will make some wonderful friends out of them. 

The Magic of Orchids

Orchids.  They are a fascinating flower.  Beautiful, sensual, exotic and yes even magical.  These magnificent flowers can do a great deal of things.  It will balance the male/female energies, control your own energy but the best and most fun one is heightening sexual energies.   Oh yeah, I said it!  Orchids are a favorite amongst elves, fairies and other nature spirits when it comes to possessing the knowledge and spirituality of sex.  Sexuality is the source of our creative forces and it is important to tap into it once in a while. 

Here is a little something to spice up your sex life.  Not that any of you need it but it would be a fun little experiment. 
You will need:

 1 fresh orchid blossom
7 drops of vanilla essential oil
1/8 of a teaspoon of cardamom
1 drop of honey
1 sachet bag
1 red candle

What to do:

1. Light your red candle and through this whole exercise visualize your sexual partner. 
2. Take the orchid and put it in a small bowl.
3. Put the vanilla drops as close to the center of the blossom as you can.
4. Sprinkle the cardamom on top of the flower.
5. Put a drop of honey in the center of the blossom.
6. Cover the bowl and shake everything together
7. Pour the contents into the sachet bag.
8. Put the sachet bag into your underwear drawer and blow out the candle.

Now when you and your partner are ready for your "little alone time" light the red candle again.  When the erotic feeling takes you over, your partner will notice your glow almost immediately.  When this happens, you will know it's time.  Have fun lovers! 

Picnic in the Plaza - Out of this World

Can anyone imagine a better way to spend a beautiful Sunday than being out and about?  Especially when that out and about happens to be in the East Village of Calgary where a lively event, Picnic in the Plaza, is taking place.  What happens there is that many food trucks are spread out by the River Plaza.  These trucks are looking to sell some food and make their presence known. They are similar to the food carts in our world that you see  most in the market town of Merkiva.  There is also a small stage with the "Bass Bus."  Live musicians and deejays played some hot beats and chill melodies.  Sounds like heaven right?  And it's just by the river, so it was paradise.
 

 I came to this event with an old Naga friend that I made in college.   We haven't seen each other for a year and she happened to be in my neck of the realms.  She asked me not to write her name for privacy reasons and I have to respect that.  Many of us know Nagas are half human, half snake creatures from the Hindi/Buddhist regions and are a part of the Siren Clan.  They are similar to mermaids, as they can change their tails into legs. The difference is that they can reside on land and not be affected when water touches their legs.  They still have to be careful because their transformation can happen when they are the most relaxed.  Now being water creatures, they are often the most relaxed when close to water.  We decided that we would go check this thing out and I am really glad that we did.  
 
Our adventure began when we paid our $5.00 at the door and went inside.  The first thing we saw was a small caravan that sold clothing and jewelry. Their clothing was of the more vintage, bohemian, casual type but the jewelry, I lost my heart to it.  It is made locally from recycled material and made to look as if it came from another time.  My friend could not leave without a blue stone necklace that reminded her of home. I don't blame her.  And you know, if I didn't know any better, I'd say these items came straight from the Nether Realm. 

After we had finished admiring the clothing caravan, my friend and I explored and sampled a little of this and a little of that.  I think my favorite was either the mango bruschetta or the triple chocolate cupcake.   Both were so delicious that I could not decide which was better.  I must warn everyone though.  Do not buy the "Love Potion".  My friend and I both agreed that all it would stir up is divorce.  One taste of this would ward off all kinds of human contact.  So naturally, we kept it for protection.  No offense to those who made it but you can't win them all.  



  

But we felt like we won.  The ebb of the river and the eclectic music made the whole event more joyous.  We decided to eat our unusual tacos out by the river since there is an opening at the fence right by it.  My friend, being a Naga and so drawn to water, was very pleased that we did this.  As we ate, we dipped our feet in the river. To me the water was ice cold and damn frigid.  Not so much fun for me but for my friend, she loved it.  To a Naga any water, especially if water is hard to come by, is sacred no matter how cold.  
 
We were listening to the music.  It had some good pulsing beats but it was mellow enough to just enjoy.  The sound of the music seemed to match the look and flow of the water.  I wonder if these musicians and deejays knew this. To be serenaded that way while we chilled out by the water was like we were back in the Nether Realm.  Because she was a little to relaxed, my friend's snake trail showed a bit causing a little concern.  But I covered it with my jacket until her legs came back and luckily no one noticed.  So all is well.

If there is another food truck event like Picnic in the Plaza, I recommend you check it out.  If you have a good friend, good food, good music, water and a warm spring day, you will have a splendid time.


  

Calgary Flames are Climbing Up!

Well sports fans, the Calgary Flames have just beaten the Anaheim Ducks!  Awesome!  But this is just the beginning for them.  They have at least three more games with the Ducks in order to get to the next level.  Will they get there?  Only time will tell but I am hopeful.  By the look of the last game the Ducks are quite strong players but the good news so are the Flames. 

Hockey is interesting isn't it?  It's not as exciting as watching the Warrior Realm fights in the coliseum in Colisium but there is a certain ballet to it.  I think Artemis or Athena would approve of hockey.  Although I have had no chance in talking to either one of them being busy goddesses and all, I'd like to think they enjoy a good sport just like the rest of us. 

The sport of hockey is intriguing but the parties that you go to when you want to celebrate the win can be epic.  I'm talking fireworks, dancing like its the centennial celebration and happiness that fills an entire city.  Word of warning though, If you are going out to the Red Mile ( 17 Avenue Southwest ).  Make sure that you are cautious, aware of what's going on around you and make lots of fun memories!  It's important to have those because that is what makes this world worth living.  Just ask the guy who got arrested the last time there was a party on the Red Mile.  Apparently he was running around with nothing on below his waist.  Back in our world, it's usually Pan (the satyr nature god ) and he hasn't gotten any since the Celestina put a curse on him. 

Good luck and skill have been blessed to the Flames, so far.  I know they will play with all their hearts and make all us Calgarians proud.  So win big Flames!  Not just for your love of the game but for your fans.  I got $50 riding on you guys!  Good luck.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Well St. Patrick's Day is over, and that means that all mystics have to go back to work.  It's nice having a day off to get things done especially when one of those things is the celebratory green beer.  It's really nice that we celebrate and say thanks to all our Irish mystics with a day off.  We owe them alot.  For example, our leprechauns have helped us all when it comes to money.  They are our most gifted accountants, bankers, etc. 

 Without them, our economy back in the Netherworld would be struggling like it is here in the earth realm.  That reminds me I want to give a shout out to my leprechaun friend back home.  "Hey Mikey!  Thanks for helping me get my lovely new living space.  You're a real pal." 

I love St. Patrick's day.  It's a fun day and not just for the beer but for the music, the dancing and all things green.  Speaking of green, I hear that Chicago (USA) has it's river running green.  Talk about getting into the spirit of things.   How many places do this?  ...Seriously how many? 

Well as you all know St. Patrick's day is a day to commemorate the man who got rid of all the snakes off of Ireland.  Guess what his name is.  :P  Anyway, I have learned not too long ago that snakes might have been a metaphor for pagans and other non-christian types.  (Yeah right.  Good job Patty, since none of them had left.) 

Well lets not focus on that.  Let's focus on the fun. If we are thinking in Christan values, this is the one day that you can indulge in food and drink (aka green beer) during lent.  Now come on, Who doesn't love that?  Since I'm in the earth realm.  I will enjoy my St. Patty's day just relaxing, enjoying some pub food, and having my favorite green beverage.

<-----Oh yeah and wearing green.  Hope you all enjoyed this lovely holiday!  Please feel free to tell me what you all did.

New Orleans post 5 - Mardi Gras

Here's a good question for you all.  Why should you come to New Orleans in the first place?   The answer is simple...Mardi Gras!!!  A long party that celebrates the coming of Lent.  It's a Catholic thing.  Every Mardi Gras is different but they usually last about a month.  So it's a month long of partying and feasting before you have to purge yourself and be good.  Nice thought eh?






You will notice that Mardi Gras has three distinct colors that all mean something different. Purple meaning justice, Green means faith and Gold means power.  All good things to stand for when used in a good way (of course).  They do, don't worry.  Now you will notice people who are wearing masks, costumes and face paint.  Feel free my mystics to do the same because there are not enough occasions where we get to wear costumes in this realm.  Anything goes here and I mean anything.  I saw many people who's costumes were made from body paint. 

Now a big thing with Mardi Gras is the parades.  They happen throughout different parts of the day and night.  You will see some fantastic floats, marching bands playing some good old fashioned tunes and dancers in lovely costumes.  Many of the parades are gigantic but the ones that were my personal favorite were the smaller ones rolling down Bourbon Street.  A small band would play and everyone on the street would start dancing.  Oh how fun that was!  I'll never forget it.

There is something you have to watch out for though.  And that is the beads being thrown.  It's easy for these things to hit you and here is the wild thing...you can't SUE.  I was informed by one of the locals that there is a law there that strictly prohibits anyone from suing someone else if you are hit by the mardi gras goodies.  I laughed and laughed at this but it does make sense believe it or not.  Fear not!  If you keep your head up and watch for these things you are guaranteed a safe bead-free injury.  Besides you want to collect as many as these beads as you can get because they are the cheapest souvenir you can get.  Now it's not just beads you can get.  Bras and panties are being thrown too.  If you catch one of these you're expected to wear them.  Just ask this guy!

Whoever you are dude.  Thanks for being the one to catch that bra and making it look good.

 

One more thing you might want to catch is the coconut.  My companion caught one and it means that she will have life long luck.  So not a bad thing to have.  I tell you this, I may not have gotten the gift of lifelong luck coming to New Orleans but I do have a lifelong memory.  Being here just opened my eyes to a whole new world and a whole new state of being.  I never thought I'd get something spiritual out of this or any kind of realization about myself.  I honestly thought it would just be a good time.  So come to New Orleans whether it's for the food, the crowd or the party.  Whatever you are looking for, you will find it.  It is a fabulous place to be.

Just ask this guy!

 

If you have any other questions or opinions, please feel free to comment.  I am pleased to hear from everyone.